Ceramics

Ceramic Basics Video

-WATCH VIDEO BELOW-

(10 min.)

Introduction to Ceramics

What is ceramics? The art of making pottery and sculptures out of clay. The pottery or sculptures are then fired in a kiln to make them permanent. They are glazed and then refired so that they are food safe and glossy.

Slip- Really wet clay
Wet/Plastic- Great clay for molding and modeling
Leather Hard- Great for carving, not attaching clay together.
Bone Dry- Completely air-dried clay and ready for the kiln.

-First Kiln Fire-

Bisqueware- White pottery which has been fired once, without glaze.

-Second Kiln Fire-

Glazeware- Glazed pottery which has been glazed; it is finished.

Ceramic Tools

Needle Tool- best for scratching
Fettling Knife- used for cutting clay
Loop Tool- used for taking away clay
Modeling Tools- used to help you manipulate the clay
Ribs/Scraper- best used for smoothing clay
Wire Cutter- used to cut slices of clay off a chunk
Paper Stencils- used to help you cut perfect shapes

Hand-building Techniques

1. Scratch, Attach & Blend

This technique is VERY IMPORTANT! It is used when you combine two pieces of clay together. You must always scratch into both surfaces, apply slip or water to help attach it together, and then blend.

2. Coils

Coils of clay can be used to build, make handles and to make things stronger. You can also make bowls, vases and other forms in various shapes and sizes.

3. Pinch Pots

Pinch pots are used to make bowls or hollow sculptures like the body or head of an animal. They are made by starting with a ball of clay and putting your thumb in the middle. You then pinch around the edges gradually forming a bowl shape.

4. Slabs

Slabs are flat pieces of clay used to build or construct. You can use slabs to make relief tiles, boxes, vases, or any flat walled surface container.

5. Slump/Drape Molds

Made when you drape or slump a slab on top of a mug, plate or bowl to take the shape.

Sketch

Directions: Using your artwork planning form, sketch at least 2 different views (front, side, back, or top). Label which hand-bulding techniques that you plan to use (coils, slabs, pinch pots, etc.)

How to Start

WATCH:

How to Make a Mug Video

(3 min.)

WATCH:

How to Make a Plate Video

(2 min.)

YOU NEED THESE TO START:

Toolbox
Clay
Clay Placemat
Water Bottle
Wooden Board with name on tape
No unwanted books, papers, iPads, pencils

Watch a video above if it will help you with your idea.
Fill up a toolbox with the tools you would like to use in the rainbow cart.
Put your name on a piece of tape and stick it to your wooden board.
You will store your clay in a bag and sit it on top of your board. Don't forget to spray with water.
Your board should go in the far back storage closet where it says "PUT CLAY HERE".

This is what your work area should like like!

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